(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers.)

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

One Stop Shop Small Business Event, February 28
There’s a lot to think about if you run your own business and the City’s Economic Development Office is here to help. Stop by the One Stop Shop Small Business event on Thursday, February 28, between 5 and 7 p.m. to get your questions about alcohol permitting, hosting a temporary event, financing, City business support programs, and more. The event will be held at the Somerville Media Center, 90 Union Square. Register for the event at bit.ly/OneStopSmallBiz or by calling 617-625-6600 ext. 2537. 

Summer Camp and Activities Fair, March 5
There are a lot of summer activity options for youth in and around Somerville. Come learn about some of them at the Somerville Public School’s Summer Camp and Activities Fair. Over 30 programs will be there to provide information and answer questions. The fair will be held on Tuesday, March 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross St. You can also visit bit.ly/2019SummerActivitiesFair to find the 2019 Summer Activities Guide, which will be posted soon.

Community Meeting to Discuss Parking during High School Building Project, March 11
Work is moving along on the new Somerville High School and our next quarterly meeting to discuss parking around the whole Central Hill campus is coming up on Monday, March 11. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 220 Washington St. You can also get updates and provide parking feedback online at www.somervillema.gov/shsparking. Along with a general feedback form, there is also a short survey specifically about on-street parking in the neighborhood.

Joint Public Hearing on Open Space Requirements and Public and Private Trees, March 12
Residents are invited to give testimony on three proposed zoning amendments related to new proposed regulations about protection of trees including trees on private property and new open space requirements for mid- and high-rise buildings at a public hearing on Tuesday, March 12, beginning at 6 p.m., in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. You can learn more about each proposed amendment at bit.ly/312PublicHearing. This is a joint public hearing being held by the Planning Board and the City Council’s Land Use Committee. If you would like to submit comments outside of the meeting, please send them to planning@somervillema.gov, citycouncil@somervillema.gov, and cityclerk@somervillema.gov.

Share Your Artistic Talents
The Somerville Arts Council is getting ready for another season of fun cultural activities. These events wouldn’t be possible without the amazing talent the Arts Council recruits each year. Right now there are a few calls for artists up at www.somervilleartscouncil.org, and don’t forget to check back throughout the winter as more will be added.

Be an Urban Agriculture Ambassador
Learn how to safety grow food in an urban environment with the City’s Urban Agriculture Ambassador Program. Participants will attend four Saturday sessions to learn about topics like building a raised bed, pest control, Somerville’s urban agriculture rules, and some of the basics on bee and chicken keeping. In exchange for these classes, ambassadors must complete 30 hours of volunteer work with City agriculture programs or local non-profits. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 8. Visit www.somervillema.gov/urbanag for more information and to apply.

City Alerts
Get important City notifications for snow emergencies, construction, detours, and other public safety matters delivered to your phone (voice and text) and/or your email. Sign up for alerts at www.somervillema.gov/alerts.

City Newsletter
For weekly updates on city cultural and civic events, City services, job openings, and more, sign up for the City e-newsletter at www.somervillema.gov/newsletter.

City Calendar
Look up city events and meetings (as well as agendas and minutes) 24/7 on the City calendar at www.somervillema.gov.